University of Astral Tides

 

Location

  The University of Astral Tides is strategically situated on a secluded island near Azura'Kai, on the southernmost tip of the Shattered Reaches. This institution is unlike any other, as it exists across the Material Plane, Feywild, and Shadowfell simultaneously. Its ability to disappear from these planes, shrouded in mystery and magic, has only added to its enigmatic reputation. The university's structures, made of dark volcanic stone found abundantly in the Shattered Reaches, are rumored to hold magical properties. These features make it a magnet for scholars from far and wide, drawn to the opportunity to study the arcane mysteries of astral realms.  

Buildings

 

Great Hall

The Great Hall is a breathtaking testament to monumental architecture, featuring a magnificent ceiling that displays a detailed map of the Astral Plane. This intricate map reveals the known worlds of the Material Plane and their connections to other planes of existence, such as the Feywild and the Shadowfell. Though the hall may seem modest from the outside, it is much larger within, expanding and contracting as needed to accommodate events. The Great Hall is the heart of the university, where important ceremonies such as enrollments, graduations, festivals, and receptions for distinguished guests take place.  

Portal Room

The Portal Room is a highly restricted space where the boundaries between theory and practice are blurred. It is here that scholars test the limits of astral connections through experimental portals, most of which are unstable and volatile. Only a select few portals are deemed stable enough for regular use. Access to this room is limited to professors, final-year students, and research mages. Each portal is meticulously crafted from materials reflective of its destination—for example, shimmering crystals for the Feywild or shadowy obsidian for the Shadowfell.  

The Laboratory

The Laboratory is a specialized environment designed for magical and scientific experiments, where scholars delve into the mysteries of interdimensional magic, time manipulation, and astral travel. The room is filled with bizarre apparatuses that even the most experienced mages find perplexing. Given the laboratory's proximity to the astral planes and the volatile atmospheric energies, unpredictable magical phenomena frequently occur. This creates a challenging yet exhilarating space for magical research, where risk and reward go hand in hand.  

Great Library

The Great Library is a vast repository of knowledge, home to one of the most comprehensive collections of books on astral planes, dimensions, and time magic. Some of these ancient tomes are enchanted, their contents shifting based on the positions of the stars or the university's current plane of existence. The library spans multiple levels, and its shelves seem to move, making it a challenge for even the most determined scholar to locate specific texts. The ever-shifting nature of the library is both a reflection of the university's arcane essence and a testament to the mysteries that lie within its walls.  

Dormitories

The Dormitories offer students and faculty a place of retreat, balancing tranquility with the university's inherent mystique. Given the institution's existence across multiple planes, residents often experience strange occurrences, such as unexplained apparitions, disembodied voices, or subtle changes in their rooms—all thought to be linked to the university’s movements between planes. Despite these phenomena, the dormitories are comfortably furnished and provide the necessary space for students and scholars to rest after their arduous studies.  

Classrooms

The Classrooms are housed within tall, elegant towers that seem to be constantly shifting. These rooms are designed specifically for the study of interdimensional magic and astral theory, providing a unique learning environment that reflects the magical nature of the university. Students have reported experiencing odd vibrations or altered perceptions of time when entering the classrooms, especially when the university shifts between planes. This otherworldly atmosphere makes learning here an unparalleled experience, as students are enveloped in the very forces they seek to understand.  

Education

 

Subjects

 

Astral Navigation

In Astral Navigation, students learn the essential skills needed to traverse the astral planes and decipher complex star charts. This knowledge is crucial for mages and researchers who use portals between worlds and need to navigate the often hazardous cosmic planes with precision.  

Dimensional Theory

Dimensional Theory delves into the fundamentals of interdimensional travel and the nature of the planes. Scholars and students work together to uncover new, hidden planes that can only be accessed during rare cosmic events. This research is invaluable in understanding the Astral Plane and the intricate connections between the many realms.  

Time Magic

Time Magic is one of the most debated and largely theoretical subjects at the university. While scholars tirelessly study time as a fluid element, practical applications remain rare and unstable. Students frequently experiment with theories surrounding time travel or manipulation, but tangible results are elusive. It is said that some scholars became lost in time during these experiments, though such claims remain unverified.  

Cosmic Summonings

In Cosmic Summonings, students learn to summon and interact with beings from the astral planes, such as star spirits and astral entities. They are taught how to negotiate with these powerful entities and harness their abilities for magical purposes. However, these summoning practices are fraught with danger, as star beings often have their own cryptic agendas.  

Stellar Studies and Magic

Stellar Studies and Magic combines traditional astronomy with magic that is directly influenced by celestial movements. Students are trained to harness starlight and cosmic constellations to cast powerful spells that fluctuate based on the current position of the stars, making this a field of study that requires both patience and precision.  

Altari Artifact Studies

This course focuses on the research and analysis of artifacts left behind by the ancient Altari civilization. Students delve into the mysteries surrounding these powerful relics, learning to identify their origins, decipher their inscriptions, and unlock their arcane properties. The study of these artifacts is not without risk, as many still carry traces of dangerous, unstable magic. Through careful examination and practical application, students are taught how to harness these relics for magical research while understanding the historical significance and catastrophic power the Altari once wielded. This subject is particularly popular among archaeologists and mages seeking to uncover the lost knowledge of the Altari.  

Notable Figures (a selection)

 

Teachers

• Headmistress Selena Quorath - Selena, an Eladrin and the legendary headmistress of the University of Astral Tides, spent three years in the astral planes without aging. Since her return, her skin has a faint glow in the dark, reflecting her permanent connection to the Astral Plane. Like all Eladrin, her temperament and appearance shift with the seasons and the position of the stars. In spring, she appears lively and enthusiastic, while in winter, she becomes more distant and cold. Her clothing changes with the seasons as well, from robes woven from starlight in summer to shimmering ice crystal garments in winter.   Selena’s teaching style is as dynamic as her personality. In the brighter seasons, she encourages open discussions and creative approaches to magic, while in the colder months, she demands strict discipline and deeper theoretical studies. Her lessons are often shaped by cosmic observations and practical applications of astral energies, with a strong focus on the flow of stars. Students must be ready for sudden challenges, as Selena enjoys introducing unexpected shifts in her methods to prepare them for the unpredictable nature of the multiverse.   Her deep connection to the Astral Plane has made her one of the most powerful mages in Altara.
 

 
• Professor A.E.O.N. - Professor A.E.O.N., an Æonforged and co-founder of the University of Astral Tides, stands as a distinguished and revered figure within the institution. His golden metallic body reflects both his timeless nature and his deep connection to the arcane forces he has studied for centuries. His face, an expressionless yet imposing mask, displays no emotion, yet his presence commands respect. Adorned in a white and gold-trimmed robe, his appearance blends the old with the new, reflecting both his ancient origins and his continuous pursuit of knowledge. He is often seen holding ancient scrolls and arcane tools, his movements precise and deliberate, as if every action has been calculated in advance.   His full name is Astral Extrapolation of Natural Chronology, a name he chose for himself to embody his deep understanding of time manipulation and astral energies. Persistent rumors suggest that he is caught in a time loop, though this has never been confirmed. A.E.O.N.'s teaching style is calm, methodical, and highly informative. Unlike other professors who may be more dynamic, A.E.O.N. prefers a structured and logical approach to his lessons, guiding students step by step through complex theories and principles. His lessons are filled with intricate details, and he is known for his ability to convey vast amounts of information clearly and efficiently. Students appreciate his consistency and his ability to turn abstract concepts into tangible knowledge. Despite his mechanical nature, there is a certain quiet wisdom in his teachings, one that reflects the centuries of knowledge he has gathered over his long existence.
 
• Master Kalara Vindel - Kalara Vindel, the strict teacher of cosmic summonings, is both feared and respected for her deep connection to star spirits and astral entities. It is said that she can communicate with beings beyond mortal understanding and exercises masterful control over summoning and negotiating with these entities.

 

Graduates

• Imperial Archmage Solmir Drakaris - One of the university's most renowned graduates, Solmir Drakaris, is now the Imperial Archmage of the Caladian Empire. His studies in Astral Navigation and Dimensional Theory allowed him to elevate the empire's magic. Known for his strategic use of magic in the Empire’s military conflicts, he remains closely connected to the university as a guest lecturer.